Groovin’ for a good cause

It’s time to put the band back together and get all jazzed up for Gift of Life’s Champagne & Ribs “party of the year” on Thursday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. inside the Beaumont Civic Center.

“This is the party you do not want to miss,” said the “cool cat” Event Chairs Tara and Charlie Holder. “Every year, it gets better and more exciting, and this Blues Brothers Bash will truly be something special. The best part is that all proceeds stay in our community and benefit a great cause – helping local men in need receive the health services and prostate cancer screenings they would otherwise go without.”

Patrons will be able to “swank” up the night with the chicest of VIP Receptions, a razzlin,’ dazzlin’ live and silent auction, live entertainment provided by Our Mother of Mercy Gospel Choir and the Jake and Elwood Blues Revue, live music from Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band, dancing, and much more.

The Jake and Elwood Blues Revue is the only Blues Brothers act in the world sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd. These amazing impersonators have been performing at Universal Studios and House of Blues for nearly two decades. Not only have their performed for hundreds of corporations, but they have for many headline acts such as KC and the Sunshine Band, Steve Winwood, Hall and Oates, The Commodores, The Backstreet Boys, and performed with the original Blues Brothers Band. Prepare to sing-along with their iconic tunes like “Soul Man,” “Gimme Some Lovin’,” “Can’t Turn You Loose” and “Sweet Home Chicago.” Jake will even turn his infamous cartwheel on stage.

Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band have performed more than 1,000 hours on stage together with a song repertoire that includes 400 songs from every decade and every genre. It’s a party where everyone is jumping and singing at the top of their lungs by the end of the night to all the music you love to hear.

All this excitement is perfectly paired with five-star food provided by Bando’s Catering, Zummo Meat Co., Courville’s Catering & Special Events, Rao’s Bakery and more with the best bubbly provided by Giglio’s and other local supporters. And this will be music to your ears. The Hip n’ Happenin’ Toastmaster – District Attorney Keith Giblin – returns as the Master of Ceremonies to ensure no one goes on like a broken record.

This year’s bash will also spotlight exceptional community “soul-diers” in the fight against cancer as the “Soul Men” Honorees: Rudy Sotolongo (Interventional Cardiologist and Southeast Texas Cardiology Associates Founder), Carl Griffith (Griffith Moseley Johnson & Associates, Inc. President & CEO), James Payne (Provost Umphrey Law Firm, LLP Equity Partner), Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont Most Reverend David Toups, and Benckenstein, Reviere & Dresden Attorney of Counsel Jerry Nathan. Event tickets are $175 per person and sponsorships are available. To purchase, visit giftoflifebmt.org or call (409) 833- 3663.

All proceeds stay in our community and benefit Gift of Life’s no-charge services that include prostate cancer screenings, primary care tests, physician consults, and navigation to follow-up care for Southeast Texas men.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

“On average, adult men are less likely to use preventive health services, like routine checkups, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and wait longer after the onset of symptoms before seeking care,” said Gift of Life Medical Director Gwendolyn Lavalais. “This underutilization of health services coincides with more chronic illnesses, shorter life spans and more preventable deaths among men than women. That’s why the success of Champagne & Ribs is so important because it empowers Gift of Life to continue providing the superior, lifesaving care our clients depend upon to live healthy, happy, and, hopefully, longer lives. Together, we can make a difference.”

Last year alone, Gift of Life conducted men’s health events in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange and Hardin County, providing nearly 600 local men with necessary primary care services and prostate cancer screenings that they might otherwise go without. Through these timely interventions, three men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and are now being monitored and navigated through treatment, with the majority of clients’ outcomes requiring follow-up medical care for potentially life-threatening conditions. All screening and treatment costs are assumed by Gift of Life.

This summer, Gift of Life will continue its Men’s Health Summer of Screenings at locations in Beaumont (June 8), Port Arthur (June 22), Orange (July 13) and Hardin County (Kountze, July 27). Interested participants can contact Gift of Life at (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org/get-a-screening for scheduling information.

“As a physician committed to advancing the well-being of Southeast Texans, I wholeheartedly endorse the Gift of Life’s mission of saving lives through its Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer initiatives that provide free medical services and cancer prevention outreach for underserved men,” said Dr. Santos Soberon. “As a prostate cancer survivor, I am honored to serve as Gift of Life’s program advocate and encourage all men to get checked.”